“Luang Phor Paew Pawaro” is a revered elder monk from Wat Pracharat Bamrung (better known as Wat Rangman Temple), located in Rang Phikun Subdistrict, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom. He has been honored with the title “Deity of Kamphaeng Saen” and is known for his simple, humble monastic lifestyle and strict adherence to monastic discipline (Vinaya). He has never held any administrative position in the Sangha as he has no desire for fame or status.

On the internet, LP Paew Wat Rangman is sometimes also written as Lp Phaeo, LP Phaew, LP Peaw, LP Plaew, or LP Pheaw.

His sacred amulets are widely known for their powerful spiritual properties and have brought numerous spiritual experiences to devotees. There is even a common saying:

“Any amulet or temple collection that does not invite Luang Phor Paew to preside over the consecration will be less popular than one in which he does.”

As of 2025 (B.E. 2568), Luang Phor Paew is 102 years old and has spent 82 rains retreats (vassa) in the monkhood. Throughout his monastic life, he has consistently and diligently practiced insight meditation (Vipassana), strictly following the monastic rules.

Early Life

He was born as Paew Boonwat, nicknamed Klae, on Wednesday, November 7, 1923 (B.E. 2466), the 14th day of the waning moon in the 11th lunar month, Year of the Pig. He was born in Lak Met Village, Thung Khwang Subdistrict, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom. His parents were Mr. Phan and Mrs. Jui Boonwat, rice farmers of modest but sufficient means.

At age 2, his family moved to Thung Khwang. He completed third grade at Wat Nong Muang School in Tao It Subdistrict, Bang Phae District, Ratchaburi Province.

As a child, he was quiet, calm, and well-behaved. He was deeply connected to the temple because of his devout parents, who would take him to make merit, observe precepts, and listen to Dhamma talks on every Buddhist holy day.

At around age 8, his father took him to study under Luang Phor Hong at Wat Nong Muang in Bang Phae to study both secular and religious teachings.

Ordination

At age 20, out of gratitude to his parents and faith in the Buddha’s teachings, he ordained as a monk on June 15, 1943 (B.E. 2486) at Wat Nong Pla Lai in Thung Krapanghom Subdistrict, Kamphaeng Saen. His preceptors were:

• Preceptor: Phra Khru Sukhit Dhammason (Luang Pho Whang Dhammasaro) of Wat Kamphaeng Saen
• Teaching Monk (Kammawācācariya): Luang Pho Pan Arakkho of Wat Nong Pla Lai
• Instructing Monk (Anusavanacariya): Phra Ajahn Sanan of Wat Nong Pla Lai

He received the monastic name “Pawaro.”

Monastic Career

After ordination, he committed wholeheartedly to studying and practicing the Dhamma and monastic discipline. He vowed to devote his life entirely to Buddhism.

He initially resided at Wat Nong Pla Lai for one month, then moved to Wat Nong Muang for eight years, where he taught Dhamma to monks and novices.

In 1951 (B.E. 2494), he became a Dhamma teacher at Wat Plak Lai Mai, and in 1954 (B.E. 2497), he transferred to Wat Sawang Chat Pracha Bamrung, both in Kamphaeng Saen. Despite being widely respected and invited to become abbot, he declined any administrative roles.

Vipassana Practice

In 1959 (B.E. 2502), he developed a deep interest in Vipassana meditation and moved to Wat Kamphaeng Saen, where he rigorously trained under Luang Pho Whang Dhammasaro and became highly skilled.

In 1981 (B.E. 2524), Luang Phor Dulya Atulo (LP Dun Wat Burapharam), a renowned disciple of Ajahn Mun, stayed at Wat Kamphaeng Saen. This allowed Luang Phor Paew to study under him, further refining his meditation practice.

Contributions

Luang Phor Paew has played a vital role in preserving and spreading Buddhism by:

• Restoring temples in Kamphaeng Saen and nearby areas
• Creating amulets to raise funds for public benefit

Even at over 100 years old, he continued participating in consecration ceremonies for sacred objects.

He once said:
“Laypeople invite me to consecration ceremonies because they believe my presence empowers the amulets. I cannot refuse.”

Wiccha Knowledge

His chanting during consecration ceremonies, uses mantras and techniques passed down from Luang Pho Whang Dhammasaro, who inherited them from Luang Pho Tha of Wat Phra Niang Taek. Luang Pho Whang was also skilled in traditional herbal medicine and healing. The katha he used during blessing included those from LP Doo Wat Sakae.

Luang Phor Paew also incorporated the Vipassana techniques he studied at Wat Mahathat, Sanam Luang, into his consecration rituals.

He advised:
“Even if you chant correctly, if your mind is not focused and still, the mantra has no power. Whether monk or layperson, what matters is meditative concentration and adherence to morality and truth.”

Later Years

After 50 years at Wat Kamphaeng Saen, in March 2009 (B.E. 2552), Luang Phor moved to reside at Wat Pracharat Bamrung (Wat Rangman) in Nakhon Pathom. He continues to live modestly, detached from material gain or honor, observing monastic precepts strictly. This has earned him deep respect from disciples and laypeople alike.

He is a monk of great kindness, simplicity, and humility. He refuses to handle money, avoids attachment, and has even passed the abbotship of the temple to a disciple, a sign of his renunciation.

Although not a renowned preacher, his simple, direct words always contain the Dhamma, guiding people toward moral conduct and spiritual development.

His teachings often come in the form of poems, verses, or thoughtful sayings, appropriate to each situation and disciple’s struggles—providing insight and encouraging mindfulness.

His Sacred Amulets

Luang Phor Paew’s amulets are highly collectible and revered for protection. Their spiritual qualities include: Great loving-kindness and charm (Metta Mahaniyom), Invincibility and safety from harm (Klaew Khlat, Maha-Ut). LP Paew started making and blessing his first batch of amulets at Wat Khampaeng San Temple. The price of LP Paew amulets varies greatly, from very affordable to several million baht.

Temples Associated with LP Paew

LP Paew has four temples under his patronage as follows:

1. Wat Sawang Chat Pracha Bamrung, Nakhon Pathom
2. Wat Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom
3. Wat Charoen Rat Bamrung (Wat Nong Pong Nok), Nakhon Pathom
4. Wat Rangman (Wat Pracharat Bamrung), Nakhon Pathom (abbot since 2009 until now)